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346
Detroit, Michigan,
February 3rd, 1908.

DEAR MR. McANERNEY,
This morning's mail brought me your letter of January thirty-first, and I have read the same with interest. The manufacturing industries of the Central West are at present less than half employed, and I judge the revival will be slow. In fact, complete resumption of business is scarcely to be expected until mid-summer. Hence, it seems to me that the present is a most difficult time in which to organize a new undertaking or in which to associate yourself with some established firm.
Since my retirement from active business eight years ago, I have rather lost touch with commercial and manufacturing interests; hence there is not as large a field open to me as formerly. If, however, I should hear of any enterprise of interest to you, I shall promptly advise you. Only this morning I happened to meet one of the electric engineering firms of Detroit, and in reply to my inquiry he stated that a large percentage of their Officers is now idle and that two of the proprietors of the Firm are taking a long vacation.
These facts are pointed out, not for the purpose of discouraging you, but to let you know that business matters in this locality are just now very much depressed.
You will, I know, pardon this typewritten letter, which is sent because of the pressure of many things.
With kind regards to yourself, MRs. McAnerney and the young heir, I remain,
Very sincerely yours,
Charles L Freer.
MR. JOSEPH A. McANERNEY,
20 West Forty-ninth Street,
New York City, N. Y.